PEMRA bans illegal Indian channels, says strict action to be taken after October 15 if order not obeyed

The authority said that it has received several complaints on illegal Indian content being aired on satellite TV channels and other networks.

It has also warned that if TV channels and distribution networks fail to follow the directions post-October 15, strict action will be taken against them. (Reuters)

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Saturday decided to ban all illegal Indian channels nationwide. It has also warned that if TV channels and distribution networks fail to follow the directions post-October 15, strict action will be taken against them.

The authority said that it has received several complaints on illegal Indian content being aired on satellite TV channels and other networks. According to ARY News, the decision was taken today following a meeting between Chairman Pemra Absar Alam and Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif during which the Alam took the provincial minister into confidence over the forthcoming crackdown drive. Sources also maintain that authority was trying to put into effect a DTH licensing scheme in Pakistan.

“Around three million Indian DTH decoders are being sold in the country. We not only want this sale stopped but will also ask the relevant agencies to trace the money trail to determine the mode of payments made to Indian dealers selling these decoders to Pakistanis,” said Pemra Chairman Absar Alam.

“Adequate time is being given to the cable operators and satellite channels to adjust their timings as per the legal requirements. Otherwise, punitive action will be taken against the two important segments from October 15,” he said.

The step comes as tensions rise between the two neighbouring nations after India said that it conducted surgical strikes across the Line of Control at terror launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.